Martin recently shared the story of his band's failed bid to collaborate with Bowie, using it as part of his testimonial for a tribute video that aired during the BBC Music Awards. "One time I sent him a song to ask him to sing on it. He called me and said, 'It's not one of your best,'" recalled Martin, making it emphatically clear that there were no hard feelings. "He's got very high standards, and I appreciate that. It inspires the rest of us to keep our standards high."

As far as Martin's concerned, those high standards are reflected in Bowie's latest work -- including his most recent full-length effort, 2013's 'The Next Day.' Remembering his reaction when he first heard the album's first single, Martin gushed, "When 'Where Are We Now?' came out I was staggered, and also annoyed. Like, 'Come on, it's not fair.' He's already got all these amazing songs and then this instant classic."

Coldplay's latest single, 'Miracles,' is out now, and serves as part of the soundtrack to the fact-based drama 'Unbroken,' which is scheduled to arrive in theaters Dec. 25.